The island of Jamaica has given the world so much rich music over time along with a variation of genres and styles from Ska, Dub and Reggae, to Jamaican Jazz, Pop and the Rude Boy-injected Rock Steady vibe. Well, that lineage continues - this time with a singer-songwriter, musician of Kingston, Jamaican heritage, who incorporates an eclectic creative mix of R&B and Reggae in his music. His name is David M and he is not an artist that you'll easily forget. His velvety voice and uplifting messages will linger in your heart long after the last note has been played.
"Lest We Forget" is the notable first single written, produced and performed by David M, from his soon to be released conceptual album, Here Comes Your Life. The powerful and climatic song was created in tribute to United States President Barack Obama - the historic significance of his election, and what it represents to people around the globe. Originally written as a salute to South African President Nelson Mandela, David rewrote the song to reflect today's current events.
Regarding the theme for “Lest We Forget,” David says, “I have the privilege to have lived to see the culmination of the efforts and contributions of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Malcolm X, Nelson Mandela, Marcus Garvey, Rosa Parks and a whole generation of men and women who struggled so that Barack Obama, as well as you and I, can enjoy the fruits of their labor. The labor of those who went before who suffered through this crucible…for the opportunities we have and taken for granted … lest we forget, their sacrifices.”
Here Comes Your Life [BGM Entertainment] was completely written and produced by David M along with his co-producer Bowie McLoughlin. The album is a collection of songs whose themes range from the socially conscious, to personal insights, pain and loss, to simply partying and having a bit of fun.
The title track, Here Comes Your Life, is a mid-tempo groove, accompanied by a sensually-colorful video. “It’s a very personal song to me. I wrote it about someone I knew who was trying to hide her past,” says David. “Most people have skeletons in their closet that always come back to haunt them. This particular song is about the past coming back to visit the present.”
“Remember Me” is a sentimental tribute that expresses David’s personal grief about someone who became his friend, confidant and like a sister, who left a lasting impression on him. She passed in the middle of the making of Here Comes Your Life. Gone too soon. David’s mother, who appears in his video “Lest We Forget,” also passed before the recording of the album, which added to his sense of loss.
“Playing to the Moon," expresses David’s genuine feelings of loss and loneliness in a personal relationship. Seeking comfort on the keyboards, he wrote the song on piano and developed it over two nights.
During his tribute to the great Bob Marley on “The Heart of Everyone,” David responds to those who have recently questioned or criticized the legitimacy of Marley, stating, “Whether comments were taken out of context or not, Bob's as yet unmatched contribution to Reggae music, his singular and outstanding rich musical gifts, and the respect he deserves for them, are not open to discussion. Bob needs no defense from me, but this is from my heart, ‘he touched the heart of everyone’.”
David shows his appreciation and concern for the globe and the environment on, “This is Our World.” “It’s a song about hope and a call to arms for change,” says David. “We all have a responsibility to leave it in good health and sustainable for our children and their children ad infinitum. his is our time and our place’… The time to act is now.” “This is Our World” was commissioned by the United Nations for its recent Players for Peace campaign.
With all of these powerful messages front and center, David, like everyone else, has a fun and lighter side. “Girls Night Out” certainly represents that. The party, along with a score of beautiful women, can be seen in full swing via the video clip, directed by newcomer, Adrian Lopez.
Inspired by the likes of so many, including Bob Marley, Marvin Gaye and Stevie Wonder, music has always played a vital role in David’s life. Starting out on the piano at age six, he spent most of his childhood singing and playing in front of audiences. “My early days were characterized by music lessons twice a week and playing piano in the orchestra or playing at festivals or shows, ” stated David.
It wasn’t long before his love for playing and singing would lead him to write and produce his own songs. But his plan to pursue music as a career would have to wait until he graduated from college and completed his schooling at Norman Manley Law School in Jamaica. Shortly after leaving Norman Manley - law degree in hand - David’s father passed away and the singer-turned lawyer shifted gears and took over the reigns of his family’s waste disposal and janitorial business.
But what remained at the center of David’s heart was his passion for music. The 90’s became a very prolific period for him. David signed a deal with Reggae producer Gussy Clarke and his Dub Plate Publishing Company, (then the largest music publishers in Jamaica) and Anchor Recordings where he wrote songs for reggae luminaries including Gregory Isaacs, Freddie McGregor, Dennis Brown, Coco Tea, Shabba Ranks and JC Lodge.
“I’ve been so blessed and fortunate to express myself both musically and consciously,” he says. “I’ve waited a long time for this moment.” And he is now, without a doubt, poised to take his place among the great singer-songwriters of this generation.
